British journal of hospital medicine 1997-01-01

Opioid analgesics.

A R Rushton, J R Sneyd

Index: Br. J. Hosp. Med. 57(3) , 105-6, (1997)

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Abstract

This article discusses recent developments in opioid pharmacology. Selective activity at different opioid receptors promises, but has not yet provided, a strong analgesic without opioid side-effects. The startling pharmacokinetic profile of the new esterase-metabolized intravenous opioid, remifentanil, is reflected in the rapid onset of effect and short, predictable recovery, independent of duration of infusion.